The Volunteer Corps

Volunteer Corps members work full time alongside individuals and families in extreme poverty, making themselves available to support ATD Fourth World’s growth around the world. There are currently 460 Volunteer Corps members working in 34 countries.

The Volunteer Corps that staffs ATD Fourth World is composed of women and men who agree to work long term to overcome poverty alongside at-risk populations. Volunteer Corps members come from diverse social and cultural origins and are young and old, single or in families. They all share a common commitment to working together to build a more just world.

All members of the Volunteers Corps receive the same modest living stipend, no matter their seniority, experience, or qualifications. This voluntary simplicity allows them to stay close to those who are less fortunate. It is a choice that invites a new type of relationship and creates a new type of society — one without exclusion, where no one will be disparaged or considered inferior to anyone else.

In becoming a member of the Volunteer Corps, volunteers choose to make themselves available to meet the needs of the organization by taking on essential tasks and living far from their home countries when necessary. They work in small teams, supporting one another and sharing responsibilities, failures, and successes.

Over time the closeness with people living in poverty and the need to depend on one another creates strong personal connections among Volunteer Corps members. These connections are a source of support and strength that brings out the best in people as they work to build a world without poverty.

If you are interested in learning about how to join our international Volunteer Corps, please do not hesitate to Please enable JavaScript to see this field..